DOHA: South Korea secured the second spot in Group E of the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup after being held to a 3-3 draw by the resilient Malaysia in Qatar on Thursday.
In a thrilling match at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, south of Doha, Romel Morales scored a dramatic equalizer for Malaysia, ranked 130th in the world, during stoppage time in the second half.
This goal denied South Korea, also known as the Taegeuk Warriors, a victory after Son Heung-min had given them a 3-2 lead with a penalty in added time.
Despite the disappointment of the draw, South Korea finished the group stage with five points. They had previously defeated Bahrain 3-1 and played Jordan to a 2-2 draw.
Bahrain emerged as the winners of Group E with six points, securing their position with a 1-0 victory over Jordan on Thursday.
As the runner-up of Group E, South Korea will now face the winner of Group F, which will be either Saudi Arabia or Thailand. The outcome of their match, scheduled for later on Thursday, will determine the group winner. Saudi Arabia will claim the top spot in Group F with a win or a draw against Thailand.
The Taegeuk Warriors are determined to clinch their first Asian Cup title since 1960.
Source – The Korean Times
